referframe said:When a photon encounters a beam splitter, say a half-silvered mirror, there is a 50-50 chance it will be reflected or passed (tunneling). Does being reflected/passed constitute a QM "measurement"?
Thanks in advance.
It depends on the interpretation you choose to work in. Any interpretation that might include considering just being reflected or passed as a measurement, however, has to introduce very careful provisos that take into account what is done with the beams subsequently. In other words, the entire context of the experiment is ultimately important.referframe said:When a photon encounters a beam splitter, say a half-silvered mirror, there is a 50-50 chance it will be reflected or passed (tunneling). Does being reflected/passed constitute a QM "measurement"?
The double slit experiment is a famous scientific experiment that demonstrates the wave-particle duality of matter. It involves shining a beam of particles, such as electrons or photons, through two parallel slits and observing the resulting pattern on a screen. This experiment shows that particles can behave like waves, exhibiting interference patterns, and supports the theory that matter and energy can have both particle and wave-like properties.
The double slit experiment is important because it challenges our understanding of the fundamental nature of matter and energy. It also has significant implications for quantum mechanics and our understanding of the universe. It shows that particles can have wave-like properties, leading to the development of the wave-particle duality theory and the understanding that particles can exist in multiple states at once.
In the double slit experiment, a beam of particles is directed towards two parallel slits, creating two paths for the particles to pass through. The particles then interact with each other, creating interference patterns on a screen behind the slits. These patterns are a result of the particles behaving like waves and interfering with each other. The experiment can be performed with various types of particles, such as electrons, photons, and even larger molecules, with similar results.
The double slit experiment has taught us that particles can exhibit wave-like behavior and that our understanding of the universe may be limited by our classical, deterministic view of the world. It has also led to further exploration and development of quantum mechanics, which has had numerous practical applications in technology and science.
Yes, there are several variations of the double slit experiment that have been performed, including the delayed choice quantum eraser experiment, which has implications for the concept of causality, and the quantum eraser experiment with entangled particles, which supports the theory of quantum entanglement. These variations continue to challenge our understanding of the universe and push the boundaries of scientific discovery.